When describing former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin's tour through Washington D.C. on the back of a motorcycle -- in theory a grand kickoff to her national bus tour of significant historical sites, in actuality a media circus surrounding a creeping crawl through our nation's capital -- perhaps the New York Times said it best: "A short ride with lots of rumbling."

Following a relatively quiet spell from the 2008 vice presidential candidate, plus size dresses strapless prom dresses the last two weeks have been a flurry of activity, with the news that Palin had purchased a nearly $1.7 million home in Arizona, the production of a new, feature-length pro-Palin film titled "The Undefeated," and Palin's announcement earlier this week that she would kick off her national tour at the Rolling Thunder motorcycle parade honoring Memorial Day in D.C.

That last announcement kicked speculation that Palin might be preparing a bid for the White House in 2012 into overdrive. Following Mike Huckabee's and Donald Trump's withdrawals from any candidacy a couple of weeks ago, Palin's potential presidential bid became perhaps the most looming unanswered question over the 2012 GOP field. Slate's partially-in-earnest "Wasilla or the White House" meter -- which tracks the assumed likelihood that Palin will announce her candidacy with a kind of mock applause-o-meter -- jumped up to 75%, the highest it's ever been by 20 percentage points. The general consensus among pundits seemed to shift to the thinking that yes, she will likely be running in 2012, and even caused Alaska Dispatch's Amanda Coyne to do a little bit of gloating.

Palin's polling numbers have also gained momentum with the loss of Huckabee and Trump from the race, white dresses with one recent poll showing Palin coming in third, behind Former Mass. Gov. Mitt Romney and former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani -- the latter of whom has announced absolutely nothing about making a run at the nation's highest office next year. Remove Giuliani from that equation, bridal dresses bridal dresses and Palin takes a solid second in polling, dresses for party and her name recognition far outweighs many of the other announced candidates such as Herman Cain, Tim Pawlenty, and Rick Santorum.

And so, following a brief hooplah over just who invited Palin to pre-empt the annual Rolling Thunder event for her own, Palin entered her bus tour with the kind of hype usually reserved for royal weddings and Super Bowls. But where the ad space for the Super Bowl costs millions of dollars and is spread across a variety of advertisers sexy cheap dresses sexy cheap dresses, the only one benefitting from the Sarah Palin cross-country media frenzy is Palin herself, and -- aside from the cost of the most patriotic bus in history that will be the mobile command center for her tour, presumably paid for from her SarahPAC fund -- it's all free.

Even if Palin only took a slow celebrity evening dresses celebrity evening dresses, meandering tour through D.C. on Sunday, she gets more public attention than any speaking engagement could possibly bring. And it all comes back to Palin's greatest strength: short sexy dresses her ability to whip the media -- the same "lamestream media" she claims to despise so much -- into a frenzy over what's between the lines of Palin's words. As someone who's been subject to the often unfavorable interpretations of her words, bridesmaid dress Palin is particularly aware that sometimes, saying less says more. As she embarks on her national tour and she is forced to answer the questions over her candidacy, it will become clear if Palin's bus tour will translate into a long run deep into next year's primary season (or even into the general election), long summer dresses long summer dresses or if it will only be "a short ride with lots of rumbling."

Contact Ben Anderson at ben(at)alaskadispatch.com.

Friends come and go, but family is forever. Las Vegas brides, I’m not just talking about reasons you should let Mom have her way in a few wedding planning details. I’m talking about a new trend for the bridal party that will let your brother play an important role for your special day. Today, off the shoulder wedding gown off the shoulder wedding gown brides, it’s time to recognize that goofy kid you grew up with. For your Las Vegas weddings, exchange the traditional Maid of Honor for a modern Man of Honor.

Meet the Man of Honor

While your groom will always be the number one man in your life, there’s one other guy who means the world to you—your bro. As your right-hand man, he’s ready to stand by your side on your wedding day. He’s been with you through thick and thin, and his moral support means more to you than any girl friend’s ever could. As a result, let your brother be the one who has your back on your wedding day.

Make Sure He’s Comfortable

If you’d like a Man of Honor, first talk to your groom to receive his consent. Then ask your brother if he’d like this honor and if he’s comfortable with this decision. Your hubby-to-be and your brother have a right to refuse the offer, but the least you can do is ask.

Not your Typical MOH Duties

Sure, you can’t envision him planning your bridal shower or helping you arrange décor displays. But does he really have to? With a team of trustworthy female bridesmaids , you can spare your brother the grief of organizing girly gigs. Instead gold prom dress gold prom dress, let him help with other aspects of wedding planning. Maybe he can trim the lawn for your backyard wedding, retrieve the mail everyday and tally response cards, play chauffeur for out-of-town guests homecoming dresses cheap , or even work with the disc jockey to ensure all technical details are on target for the big day.

Suit, Shirt, and Shoes

As a member of the bridal party, your brother will need to maintain total masculinity while also blending well with the bridesmaids. Differentiate the Man of Honor from the groomsmen by giving him a tuxedo in a color palette that matches the bridesmaids. Taupe and green gowns? Let’s go with a brown suit for your bro. Teal dresses ? affordable evening dresses Well, that color might be a little harder. Rather than make him wear a colorful suit, choose a neutral tone. Then let your brother sport a vest and tie to match brightly colored bridesmaid dresses . He&#8217 discount cocktail dresses ;ll blend right in, but also display a distinct look.

Moral Support of Your Marriage

When you choose your brother to be your Man of Honor, you’re asking him to stand beside you and support you through one of the biggest moments of your life. That’s what his role is all about—moral support. Forget about what he can’t do (host a lingerie bridal shower, wedding gown long sleeves wedding gown long sleeves pick out the perfect polish, or do your makeup, like a typical Maid of Honor), and focus on what he can do. He can be there for you, every step of the way. He’s your brother, the Man of Honor.

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